Canada faces a significant labor market gap in the trades industry. A recent study by Statistics Canada (StatsCan) highlights that the national labor market is under "downward pressure" due to a surge of retirements among baby boomers (those born between 1955 and 1965). This has led to the lowest labor force participation rate in 20 years, with figures dropping to 65% in 2021, 2022, and 2023. As a result, both federal and provincial governments are actively seeking skilled workers to strengthen the workforce in this critical sector.
While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is taking steps to address critical labor shortages, Alberta is also offering financial incentives to attract skilled tradespeople to the province.
What is Alberta offering skilled immigrants in the trades?
In April 2024, the Government of Alberta launched the "Alberta is Calling" program, which offers up to 2,000 eligible skilled tradespeople a one-time refundable tax credit of $5,000.
To qualify for this program, applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older at the time of application
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Relocate to Alberta between May 1 and December 31, 2024
- Be a tax resident of Alberta by December 31, 2024
- Have been a resident of Alberta for at least 12 consecutive months by the time of application
For more details on eligibility criteria and program specifics, visit the Government of Alberta’s webpage.
About the trades industry in Alberta
Alberta's trades industry has long faced a significant labor shortage, making trade careers some of the most sought-after occupations in the province. Currently, the Government of Alberta identifies nine trade occupations as being in high demand, including:
- Construction Managers (NOC 70010)
- Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics, and Mechanical Repairers (NOC 72410)
- Plumbers (NOC 72300)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310)
- Civil Engineers (NOC 21300)
- Engineering Managers (NOC 20010)
- Automotive and Heavy Truck and Equipment Parts Installers and Servicers (NOC 74203)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22310)
- Electrical Mechanics (NOC 72422)
For more information on the trades industry in Alberta, including details about apprentice services, certification, and job vacancies, visit the provincial government’s dedicated trades website.
Job Market Overview
According to StatsCan data from May 2024, Alberta has a substantial number of job vacancies, ranking fourth among Canadian provinces:
- Ontario: 204,180 vacancies
- Quebec: 130,735 vacancies
- British Columbia: 102,720 vacancies
- Alberta: 76,500 vacancies
This high number of vacancies suggests that newcomers, including those outside the trades sector, may find better employment opportunities in Alberta compared to other provinces.
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